Zimbabwe is blessed with a spectacular variety of beautiful and exotic scenery and natural heritages. Zimbabwe is renowned for numerous internationally acclaimed tourist destinations that offer site seeing, game and bird viewing, game hunting, camping, rafting, elephant rides, walking with lions and bungie jumping.
Some of the best known destinations in Zimbabwe include the mighty Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Great Zimbabwe Monument, Mana Pools, Hwange National Park, Matopos National Park, Khami Ruins and many other natural landscapes that provide scenic viewing.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls “Mosi-oa-tunya” “the smoke that thunders”
A World Heritage Site and one of the natural wonders of the world, which is shared with Zambia. It offers one the highest global bungee jumping sites at the Victoria Falls Bridge. The falls are truly a magnificent sight, where millions of gallons of water plunge over 1.7km-wide cliff into the narrow gorge below. Some say the best way to view the Falls is from the air, either by aeroplane, helicopter, hot air ballon or micro-light. Other adventure activities are offered around Victoria Falls, these include white-water rafting, golf, canoeing, elephant rides, walking with lions and kayaking and game viewing in the Zambezi national park. For the visitor seeking less action on the river, there are a variety of cruises to be had on the Zambezi above the falls. The best known are the sunset cruises, during which one can enjoy the wildlife along the banks and a stunning sunset complemented by chilled drinks and light snacks. For more on Victoria Falls, click here
Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo
Great Zimbabwe monument is a Unesco World Heritage Site, full of history and provides a perfect day out for visitors in Zimbabwe. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the country’s Late Iron Age. Great Zimbabwe served as a royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch and was used as the seat of political power. One of its most prominent features were the walls, some of which were over five meters high and which were constructed without mortar. There are 200 such sites in southern Africa, such as Bumbusi in Zimbabwe and Manyikeni in Mozambique, with monumental, mortarless walls but none as large and intact as those of Great Zimbabwe.
Mukuvisi Woodlands, Harare
Located 7km from the city centre of Harare along Hillside Road, The Mukuvisi Woodlands are one of Zimbabwe’s national treasures. It provides one of the few remaining large green spaces open to the public in Harare. Visit and get a touch of the wild in the heart of the sunshine city. Mukuvisi Woodlands meaningfully contributes to the Environmental Education of Zimbabweans of all ages.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest and most popular park in Zimbabwe which covers an area of more than 14 000km2. The park has about 90 species of animals, 413 species of birds and approximately a 1000 species of trees and shrubs. 482km of game viewing gravel roads enable the visitor to some of the world's greatest concentrations of game. It offers excellent wildlife viewing, and most big safari animals can be seen, including the Big Five.
Many viewing platforms have been erected close to waterholes and numerous safari operators offer day and moonlight trips to observe animals' behaviour. Hwange is most known for the impressive concentration of elephant that are attracted to the park’s waterholes during the dry season. Hwange is well known too for its bird watching, the best time to visit for bird watching is from November to April as migratory birds return from Europe and Northern Africa. As one of the best-kept game parks on the continent, Hwange offers an experience like no other, from walking safaris to exciting game drives. Visitors can look forward to a private and secluded safari in a pristine environment. Whether you take a day trip to Hwange or spend whole week here, you can be sure of a memorable African Wildlife Experience!
Mtaraz Falls, Nyanga, Zimbabwe
Deep valleys, bare granite peaks, gorges, sparkling trout streams rolling through sharp cliffs and pine forested hill slopes the beauty of Eastern Highlands is beyond imagination. Not only that but there are lots of fun activities to do making it the perfect holiday destination. Altitude lies between 1800m and 2593m it provides a cool weather and fresh mountain air which is ideal for rest and relaxation.
National Heroes Acre, Harare
The National Heroes Acre, our revered shrine, is the pride of the people of Zimbabwe. It is a symbol of bravery and selflessness for those whose remains are laid to rest there. Towering and selflessness for those remains are laid to rest there. Towering majestically is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which symbolises the final resting place for tens and thousands of Zimbabweans who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom and independence, but whose remains are scattered in valleys, disused mines, caves, unknown graves and mass graves spread across the nation and in neighboring states.
MATOPOS and KHAMI RUINS
Khami is dominated by a series of terraced stone ruins, often highly decorated. The largest comprises of three, tiered platforms that was the home of the King and his family. The imposing front façade marked the main entrance. Nearby are the Cross Ruin with its mysterious stone Dominican Cross and the Northern Platform once used to process gold. The Precipice Ruin was a ritual centre that has the longest decorated stonewall of its kind. The nearby Passage Ruin consists of two adjoining semicircular platforms accessed by a narrow passageway. Like many of the other smaller platforms, it is likely that it was once occupied by one of the elite officials of the state. Visitors are able to wander around the site on several paths taking in the site’s unique cultural and natural heritage. It makes a perfect day out for visitors looking to gain a sense of Zimbabwean history.
Matopo Hills, Matopo also spelled Matopos or Matobo, mass of granite hills, southeast of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe formed by river erosion and weathered into fantastic shapes and deep valleys. The hills are associated with folklore and tradition, some being venerated as dwelling places of the spirits of departed Ndebele chiefs. The hills contain gigantic caves (notably Bambata, Nswatugi, and Silozwane) with Khoekhoe paintings, and there are Stone and Iron Age archaeological sites.
Kariba Dam
Located on the northern border of Zimbabwe, the formidable "inland sea" that is Lake Kariba is the result of a large hydro-electric damming project along the Zambezi River which provides much of the country's electricity. The scenery at this African holiday spot also makes it a photographer's paradise. Kariba is a popular tourist and fishing destination, with the Matusadonha National Park forming its southern shore. Lake Kariba is among the 4 largest man – made lakes in the world and is the second largest in Africa. The shoreline is over 2000 km long, a home to numerous species of flora and fauna and is an exciting and unique safari destination. The park lies along the Zambezi River, it is a standing example of the integration between men and mature.
As Kariba stands out as one place where mankind still lives in harmony with nature just like in the old days and the secret of this co – existence is that the animals have a right of way! Activities include Game Viewing, Tiger fishing, Boat cruise and Crocodile farm tour. If you are travelling with friends or family, consider hiring a houseboat for a few days to really experience the best of what the lake and wildlife have to offer!
Please visit https://zimbabwetourism.net/for more details regarding tourism in Zimbabwe.